Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he dreams of playing Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano together in attack.
The 53-year-old has never hidden his desire to build his side around Italy's two most exciting and temperamental players.
Unfortunately, Prandelli will not get that opportunity this evening, as Cassano was not called up following his dispute with Sampdoria.
Speaking to RAI Sport ahead of tonight's friendly, Prandelli said: "My most ambitious project was and remains that of seeing Mario and Antonio together.
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he dreams of playing Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano together in attack.
The 53-year-old has never hidden his desire to build his side around Italy's two most exciting and temperamental players.
Unfortunately, Prandelli will not get that opportunity this evening, as Cassano was not called up following his dispute with Sampdoria.
Speaking to RAI Sport ahead of tonight's friendly, Prandelli said: "My most ambitious project was and remains that of seeing Mario and Antonio together.
"Sooner or later I will realise [that dream].
"Balotelli is a very modern striker. I am certain that he knows how to become a reference point for Italy.
"This evening I have lined him up with Giuseppe Rossi because they are both very mobile and unpredictable."
Prandelli was then asked about his decision to play Argentina-born Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma.
"I like him for substance and style. Unfortunately in that role there are no youngsters so for this reason I have chosen a 'new Italian'.
"It's not true that Ledesma is the last Oriundo of my national team. I have not closed the door to anyone [like Thiago Motta and Felipe]."